Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida

Nigeria's former military leader discusses his country's struggle for unity, identity and democracy.

Popularly known as IBB, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is an army officer who ruled Nigeria between 1985 and 1993.

He joined the Nigerian army soon after the country gained its independence in 1960 and was a senior officer during the 1967-70 civil war.

He participated in three coups and ruled Nigeria after his bloodless coup against Muhammadu Buhari on August 27, 1985, until 1993 when nationwide strikes and protests - in response to his annulment of elections that were widely thought to have been won by his opponent - toppled him from power.

He talks to Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege about 50 years of independence, ethnic divisions and his hopes for the future of Nigeria.